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You’re a match. What happens next?

One day, it could be your name flashing across our computer screens as a possible match for someone in desperate need of a transplant. Exciting, eh?

If that happens, we’ll get in touch and ask you to provide blood samples. That’s so we can make sure you’re a match and are healthy enough to donate.

And if you are? You could be about to save a life.

How do I donate?

You can donate your stem cells in two ways.

Nearly 90% of people donate their stem cells quickly and easily in a process similar to giving blood, called peripheral blood stem cell collection.

The other 10% donate through bone marrow, where they give cells from the bone marrow in their pelvis.

If you’re on the register, you must be happy to donate stem cells in either way.

Want to know more? Then have a watch of our lovely little animation

Where will I donate?

At a specialist collection centre, usually in London.

We’ll organise and pay for your travel and hotel, so don’t worry about costs. We recommend you bring a companion with you. We will make the necessary arrangements for them as well.

How does peripheral blood stem cell collection work?

It’s an easy process.

A nurse will come to your home or office to give you injections of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) over four days. This is a naturally-occurring hormone which increases the number of stem cells your body produces. On the fourth day we’ll ask you to travel to the collection centre for your injection. The PBSC donation will start the next day.

You’ll then come to the collection centre, where a nurse or doctor will insert a tiny tube in your arm, draw out the blood, and pass it through a machine to collect the stem cells. Yep, it’s that simple.

Donating only takes about 4-5 hours. Occasionally we’ll need to collect more cells the following day. You won’t need a general anaesthetic or to stay in hospital overnight, though.

You might experience side effects like flu-like symptoms and aching, but they’re usually mild and only last just a couple of days.

How does bone marrow donation work?

You’ll spend two nights in a London hospital. Under general anaesthetic, doctors will take some bone marrow from your pelvis using a needle and syringe.

You’ll probably feel tired and have a little bruising and pain in your lower back after donation. But this generally passes within a week or so.

What happens to my stem cells?

A courier will collect your cells and deliver them to the hospital where the recipient is waiting. They’ll usually give your stem cells to the recipient the same day or the day after you donate.

If the recipient’s body accepts them, the stem cells will start making healthy blood cells. You’ve given that person the chance to live – all while you were lying in bed. Not bad, eh?

Can I find out what’s happened to the person who received my cells?

We may be able to give you updates on their progress.

You may communicate anonymously and Anthony Nolan will channel this communication. After a two-year confidentiality period, if you both want to, you can get in direct contact with your recipient. This may depend on each transplant centre regulations. Find out more information here.

‘I’m not a fan of needles but it was absolutely fine. It wasn’t painful at all, just some strange sensations. It only took about four hours. I felt absolutely shattered afterwards but I was back to normal the next day.

I felt emotional and I couldn’t wait to hear about my recipient. It was strange looking at the bag of cells, thinking it will be in someone within 72 hours. I was smiling the whole time knowing I could be saving someone’s life.’

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Meet Nisha

''I would definitely do it again - without a doubt. Having gone through the whole process. It's far, far easier than you would imagine. A chance at life is the ultimate gift you can give to anyone' - Nisha, donor